Earlier this week Congress approved (and President Barack Obama signed) a bill that will cut funding for the literary organization, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). Follow this link to support the program.
CEO Carol H. Rasco had this statement: “RIF’s ability to provide 4.4 million children with free books and reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 17,000 locations throughout the United States is in jeopardy. RIF programs are in schools, community centers, hospitals, military bases, and other locations that serve children from low-income families, children with disabilities, homeless children, and children without adequate access to libraries. For 44 years, RIF has provided millions of children the opportunity to choose free and high-quality books to read and keep for themselves.”
Rasco urged concerned readers around the country to “fight back.” Last year, author and agent Jason Pinter led a Twitter campaign to raise funds for the organization. UPDATE: The same temporary spending law has cut funding for a number of educational organizations–including National Writing Project. (Via Sarah Weinman)